South Carolina's 2014 class received another boost on Friday when Latta (S.C.) four-star Donell Stanley announced his college choice during a ceremony at his high school.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder drew a double-digit list of scholarship offers during his recruiting process.

Stanley told GamecockCentral.com in the days before his announcement that he would be staying in-state and that his choice would come down to Clemson and South Carolina and chose the Gamecocks in front of friends, family, classmates, and teammates inside an auditorium adjacent to his high school.

"It was closest to home, part of the SEC, and one of the top programs in that conference," Stanley said after his announcement. "I liked what the coaches brought to the table, Coach (Shawn) Elliott, and the academic program is good."

According to the Pee Dee product, Elliott was a big part of his decision.

"I like his way of coaching," Stanley said about Elliott. "He is an energetic coach and is going to get his point across. He is going to push you to be the best you can be. After Black Magic camp is when it stood out to me. Coach Elliott worked me hard and he showed me everything South Carolina had to offer."

Stanley already has a relationship with a couple of current Gamecock offensive linemen that hail from the same area he does in Bryce King and D.J. Park.
"It is something I'm already used too," Stanley said about playing with King and Park. "We played rec ball together. We probably played a good 12 years together before I came over here. I'm looking forward to being with them again."